An open work permit allows a foreign national to work for most employers in Canada without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a specific job offer. Despite the name, an “open work permit” is not a single program. It is a category that includes multiple distinct legal authorities administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Below are 10 recognized types of open work permits in Canada in 2026, followed by a bonus section highlighting temporary public policies that may apply depending on timing and personal circumstances.
1. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
The Post-Graduation Work Permit allows eligible international graduates to gain Canadian work experience after completing a program of study at a designated learning institution.
Core eligibility generally includes completing an eligible program at a DLI, maintaining full-time student status (with limited exceptions), and applying within the prescribed timeframe after receiving confirmation of graduation. The length of the permit depends on the length of the program and may be affected by recent policy changes, including field-of-study requirements.
2. Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
Applicants must typically have submitted a permanent residence application under an eligible economic class, passed the completeness check, be physically in Canada, and hold a work permit that is close to expiry. The BOWP is designed to prevent gaps in work authorization caused by lengthy PR processing times.
3. International Experience Canada (IEC) - Working Holiday
The IEC Working Holiday permit is a fully open work permit issued under Canada’s youth mobility agreements with participating countries.
Eligibility is based on nationality, age limits, and participation in the IEC pool and invitation system. Applicants must also meet financial, insurance, and admissibility requirements. This permit allows broad employment flexibility during the authorized stay.
4. Spousal or Common-Law Partner Open Work Permit (SOWP)
Spousal open work permits allow spouses or common-law partners of certain temporary residents to work in Canada without being tied to a specific employer.
Eligibility depends on the status of the principal applicant and may include spouses or partners of qualifying foreign workers or certain international students. The relationship must be genuine, and the principal applicant must maintain valid status. Policy changes in recent years have narrowed eligibility, making this category more technical than many applicants expect.
5. Open Work Permits for Family Members of Certain Foreign Workers
In limited circumstances, IRCC issues open work permits to dependent family members beyond spouses or partners.
Eligibility is highly fact-specific and may depend on the principal foreign worker’s occupation, program, or participation in a specific public policy or pilot. These permits are not automatic and are assessed individually.
6. Open Work Permits Under the TR to PR Pathway Public Policy
Applicants under the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway may qualify for an open work permit while their permanent residence application is processed.
Applicants must generally be in Canada, have submitted a TR to PR application, hold valid temporary status or be eligible for restoration, and meet the conditions set out in the applicable public policy. This authority only exists while the policy remains in force.
Open Work Permits for Protection and Humanitarian Situations IRCC also issues open work permits in situations involving vulnerability, protection, or humanitarian considerations. These are administered under a consolidated framework rather than individual named programs.
7. Open Work Permits for Refugee Claimants and Protected Persons
Refugee claimants whose claims have been found eligible, as well as protected persons, may apply for an open work permit while remaining in Canada. These permits allow individuals to support themselves during ongoing protection processes.
8. Open Work Permits for Persons Under an Unenforceable Removal Order
Individuals whose removal orders cannot currently be enforced may be eligible for an open work permit, depending on their circumstances and compliance with conditions imposed by immigration authorities.
9. Open Work Permits for Students Unable to Continue Studies Due to Hardship
Students who cannot continue their studies because of severe hardship, including financial destitution or other exceptional circumstances, may qualify for an open work permit on humanitarian grounds.
10. Open Work Permits for Individuals Experiencing Abuse
IRCC issues open work permits to individuals experiencing abuse related to an employer-specific work permit. This allows affected workers to leave abusive situations without losing legal status or the ability to work.
Bonus: Temporary Public-Policy Open Work Permits You Should Know About
Examples include:
- Open work permits for out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area, created to address labour shortages and encourage regularization.
- Country-specific crisis measures, such as open work permits issued to nationals affected by humanitarian emergencies (for example, Ukraine, Iran, Afghanistan, or Hong Kong under prior policies).
- Sector-specific or regional pilots, where open work authorization is granted to facilitate workforce stability or economic recovery.
These public policies can open doors that do not exist under regular immigration programs. However, they are often introduced quietly, change frequently, and expire without much notice. Eligibility depends heavily on timing and individual circumstances.
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Open work permits can offer flexibility, security, and long-term immigration opportunities, but applying under the wrong category or missing a temporary public policy can result in refusal or lost status. Many people qualify for an open work permit without realizing it, especially when public policies are involved.
If you are unsure which type of open work permit applies to your situation, or whether a temporary public policy could benefit you, professional advice is essential. Our team regularly assesses complex work permit scenarios and monitors policy changes as they happen.
If you would like a tailored assessment of your eligibility, contact us to schedule a consultation.
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